Five Terps freshmen who could make a difference

Running back Wes Brown: The Good Counsel alum is the Terps" largest tailback at 210 pounds. He was Stefon Diggs' teammate in high school, and the two are close on the field. "If he's mad, I calm him down. I treat him like he's my little brother," Brown said.

Kicker Brad Craddock: The Australian was mostly off limits to reporters during the preseason because he is a freshman.There is often trepidation about inserting a true freshman kicker into the lineup, but everybody has to start somewhere. Terps coach Randy Edsall said Craddock, who may also be the punter, was consistent in training camp.

Receiver-returner Stefon Diggs: Maryland's highly-touted recruit will return punts and kicks and probably appear as a slot receiver. In the team's public scrimmage, Diggs barely had to exert himself to score a pair of touchdowns on returns. Watching him as a returner in games — assuming teams kick to him — may be one of the joys of being a Terps fan this season.

Quarterback Perry Hills: Competitive and poised, Hills attended the same Pittsburgh high school (Central Catholic) as Dan Marino. He went undefeated as a wrestler in his senior year and won the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class AAA title. The media has not seen enough of his passing to gauge his accuracy, but his teammates say he can run. "He came in and it's not like we changed anything at all," said offensive lineman Justin Gilbert. "The guy can move."

Running back Albert Reid: Reid was named the starter for the opening game against William & Mary after Brandon Ross injured his hamstring. He has size and quickness. "I'm really pleased with the running backs," Edsall said. "I think Albert Reid has had a really good camp."

William & Mary, Sept. 1: Pssst, nobody wants to talk about it, but Maryland enters the season with an eight-game losing streak hanging around -- like a nagging cold -- from last year. No win is guaranteed, but the largely inexperienced Terps and their coaches are likely happy to open the year against...